Combined multicolor and perfecting web printing-press.



G. E. PANCOAST.

COMBINED MULTICOLOR AND PERFECTING WEB PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 3,1911.

Patented May 11, 1915.

G. E. PANCOAST. COMBINED MULTICOLOR AND FERFECTINGWEB PRINTINGPRESS.

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G. E. PANCOAST.

COMBINED MULTICOLOR AND PERFECTING WEB PRINTING PRESS.

` APPLICATION man JUNE 3.1911.

1,188,782. Patented 1111137111915.

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` y G. E; PANCOAST. COMBINED MULTICOLOR AND PERFECTING WEB .PRINTING PRESS.'

APPLlcATloN FILED wn: 3.1911.' 'PatentedMay 11, 1915.' l

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i Geenen rANcoAsT, or BROOKLYN, NEW Yoan COMBINED MUIfTICQLQR AND PERFEGTING WEB PRINTING-PRESS.

specificati@ gf Letters Patent.

Patented May 11, 1915.

Applicationfuea June a, 1911. serial No. 631,153.

T all whom it may concer/a.'

Be it known that I, GEORGE E. PANcoAsr, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Bensonhurst, borough of Brooklyn, county of Kings, State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Combined Multicolor and Perfecting Veb Printing-Presses, of which the following is a specification. 1

This invention is addressed to the provision of a rotary web printing machine capacitated to print one or more colors on each side of one or more webs or web sections of the same or of diiferent Widths,and to associate the Webs or web sections'in a great variety of Ways, and to cut and fold the associated webs to produce practically any size or character of product required by publishers of newspapers and the like. l

It is also an object of the invention to provide a machine of the character referred to which, when used for perfecting a, num- 'ber of Webs, may be arranged to give substantially the same length and character ofpath of travel to each of the Webs, whereby the webs to be associated with'each other may be readily and reliably synchronized, and, when used for color printing may be arranged to give the webs, aminimum length of travel between the couples which apply the successive lcolors; also to provide a machine which may be readily changedl to produce different products; which may be operated to produce simultaneously a variety of products, and to realizevto the greatest extent possible the full capacity of themachine, whatever may be the character of the product or products produced; also to provide a machine, every part of which is readily accessible for making ready, for applying and removing plates, cleaning up, threading, etc.; 'also to provide a machine which 'shall occupy a small Space in proportion to its capacity;which is composed of various elementary duplicate and interchangeable sections adapted to be readily built up toproduce a machine of any desired capacity; and to produce a machine in which the sizes of the cylinders forming the couples may be changed to produce a product of different page sizes without changing the frame or other major parts of the machine.

These and other objects of the inventionv will be in part obvious and in part hereinafter more fully explained.

lseveral cylinders are located.

The invention consists in the novel constructions, combinations, and improvements herein shown and describe In the drawings, referred to herein and forming a part hereof,4 is illustrated a machine embodying my invention together With modifications of certain features, the same serving in connection with the description herein to explain the principles of the invention.

Of the drawings: Figure l is a side elevation, partly diagrammatic in character, illustrating about one-half of the machine; Fig. 2 is a similar view illustrating the other half of the machine; Fig. 3 is a transverse `sectional View, partly in elevation, the section being about upon the line 3 3 of Fig. l; Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic plan view of the upper portion of the central` or web-associating part of the Amachine; Fig. 5 is a similar view of the lower portion of the central or web-associating part of the machine; Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic side elevation of the operative parts ofthe machine upon a smaller scale, illustrating a different weblead from that illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and

yv3; Fig. 7 isa diagrammatic side elevation of the right-hand and central portion of a modified form of machine; and Fig. 8 -is a similar view, illustrating the method of changing the sizes ofthe cylinders forming the printing couples.

Referring at first more particularly to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs.\1 and 2, it will be .seen that the machinethere shown comprises three sets of printing couples vertically arranged and spaced apart longitudinally of the machine, the cylinders of the several couples being parallel and in tracking relation to each other, i. e., in such relation that the web or webs passing therethrough may travel from one couple to another without sidewise delection, or within the space inclosed by the planes in which the opposite ends vof the The several sets of couples are designated by reference letters A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4, and C1, C2,-C3, C4, respectively, there being in 'this embodiment four couples in each series. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular number of series of couples nor to any particular number of couples in any series, the number of series and number of couples in the respective series being determined according to the maximum desired capacity of the particular machine.

In accordance with one feature of the invention, two of the series of couples are arranged side by side with an open space or open spaces between them, the impression cylinders of both series` of couples being arranged to face the space or spaces so as to be freely accessible therefrom for making ready purposes. As shown, the two series A1, A2, etc., B1, B2, etc., near the right-hand end of the machine are thus arranged, the spaces between the impression cylinders of the corresponding couples in therespective series preferably beinglapproximately the same as the distance between the impression cylinders of adjacent couples in each series I so as to afford as direct a: line of travel for a web fromfone impression cylinder to another as is-consistent with the provision of sulicient space to afford access to the various impression cylinders. To this end and for other reasons which will presently appear, the cylinders of each of the couples are preferably arranged with their axes in the same horizontal plane and the correspondlng couples of the respective series are also located with the axes of their cylindersin the `same horizontal 'planes ln iaccordance with another feature of the invention, meansare provided for driving a plurality of the couples in each series in either direction. Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated, the design cylinders of the several couples constitute the driving members thereof. To this end the design cylinders of each series are arranged with their axes in the same plane, and a driving shaft is located in this plane and extended m a direction transverse to the axes of the cyllnders, means being provided for conneeting the driving shaft to each design cyl- Inder so that the latter may be drivenin either direction. As shown, a vertical drivmg shaft 1 is located in the plane of the axes of the design cylinders of series A1, A2, A3, etc., a shaft 2 is similarly arranged with relation to the design cylinders of series B1, B2, B3, etc., and a third shaft 3 is similarly arranged with relation to the series C1, C2,

" C, etc.

the same transverse plane with but at right angles to the vertical shaft 2, and -is provided witha bevel gear 5 which meshes with a bevel gear 6 on the shaft 2. The shaft 1 is connected with the driveshaft 4 by a longitudinally arranged shaft 7, having at oneend a bevel gear 8 meshing with the bevel gear 5 at the other end, a bevel gear 9 meshing with a bevel gear 10 at the lower end of the shaft 1.- Similarly, the

shaft 3 is connected with the power shaft f1' by a longitudinally arranged shaft 11, having at one end a bevel gear 12 meshing with the bevel gear 5 and at the other end a bevel gear 13 meshing with a bevel gear 11 at the lower end of the shaft 3. The advantage of this' construction is that the three sets of couples are independently connected with the bevel gear 5 of the driveshaft so that the maximum strain transmitted to any one tooth or any one set of meshing teeth on that gear is ,that required to drive only one set of Vprinting couples. Each of these shafts 1, 2, and 3 is provided with a pair of bevel gears for each design cylinder, these pairs of gears upon the several shafts 1, 2, and- 3 being respectively lettered in the drawing 1a, 1", 2a, 2b, and 3a, 3b. The members of each of the 'pairs of bevel gears 1, 1b, 2, 2", and 3, 3b are arranged to be moved into and out of driving engagement with a single bevel gear fixed upon the shaft of the corresponding design cylinder, these bevel gears being lettered 1c, 2c, and 3c, respec tively. Since the members 'of each of the several pairs of bevel gears are reversely arranged with respect to| each other and adapted 4to mesh with the opposite sides of the design' cylinder gears, it will be seen that lthe direction of rotation of each printing inoperative position.

It will be Seenthat means are thus pro vided for driving each of a plurality of printing couples in each of a plurality of the sets of printing couples in either direction, each of the printing couples in each of the sets being in the embodiment shown provided with means wherebyI it may be driven in either direction. If it is desired to render any one or more of the printing couples inoperative, this may be done by simply throwing each of the bevel gears for drivingsuch couple or couples out of mesh with the gear 'carried by the couple or couples.

An inking mechanism `is provided for the. design cylinder of each printing couple.

-Preferably and as shown, this inking mechanism is so constructed that it will operate to properly distribute and apply the ink irrespective of the direction of rotation of the printing couple. Preferably and as shown, the several inking mechanismsare-A exact duplicates of each other and are interchangeable. In the form illustrated each inking mechanism comprises a fountain 20, a ductor rollen21, atransfer roller 22, distributing cylinders 23, transfer rollers 21,. large form rollers 25, and small form rollers 26. It will be observed that there is the same number of intermediate rollers between the first transfer roller 22 and each pair of form rollers, so that irrespective of the direction in which the inking mechanism is driven the ink will be transmitted to 'the two sets of forni rollers with the same amount or distribution. -Each of the' inking mechanisms is moreover' mounted for movement to* and from its design cylinder so as to aordaccess to` the design cylinder for the appii-cation and removal of plates and to the inking mechanism`- for removing and replacing the rollers and cleaning them. In F ig. 1 the' i'nking' mechanisms are shown in operative positions, while in Fig. 2 the inkin'g mechanismsare shown in their inoperative positions." Any suitable mechanism may be provided for moving the inking mechanisms and 'for holding them in their operative positions. As shown in Fig. I 8, the inking mechanism is' provided with a pinion 27 arranged to mesh with a rack 28 fixed on the frame ofthe machine, a suitable handle 29- being provided to turn the pinion and a pawl 30 being provided on the inking mechanism to engage al notch 31 in the frame and hold the inking mechanism .in its operative position.

Any suitable construction of frame may be provided for supporting the various setsv of printing couples and the parts associated therewith. In the preferred embodiment, however, and as shown, the frame isconstructed to afford ready access to the space which is faced by the impression cylinders'` of the various sets. To this end each of the printing couples is mounted in a verticaliframe member and, preferably, two

overlying printing couples are mounted in the same vertical framemember. As shown, the members of the printing couples A1, A2, and A2, A, respectively, constituting the right-hand end set of printing couples, are mounted in vertical frame members F1. The members of. couples B1, B2, and B3, B4, respectively, forming the second or intern mediate. set of couples, are mounted in the upright frame members F2. The members ot couples C1, C2, and C3, C4, respectively, forming the left-hand end set' of printing couples, are mounted in the upright frame members F3. The'lower frame members F1, F2, and F3 are` mounted upon the base frame F and are secured at theirupper ends to a longitudinal frame member fwhich forms a support for the upper upright frame members F1, F2, and F3, the upper ends of the latter being secured to the top longitudinal frame member F 4. The upright frame members F1, F2, F3 are preferably each braced by longitudinal frame members f1, f2, and f3, respectively, which are connected at their ends opposite the members F1, F 2,@

and F3 with the vertical frame membersF5, FG, and F7. A fourth upright mem`ber F`s is provided,"the same serving in connection with the member F6-as a support for the web-associating mechanism which will be presently described. It will be noted that the intermediate longitudinal member fA is formed in two parts respectively arrangedbet'weenthe uprights F5, F2, and the up- -rights FT, and F 8. 'It will be observed that -posite sides of the machine and whichmay be interchangeable.

Any suitable means may be provided for supplyingone or a plurality of webs to the various sets of printing couples. As shown in Fig. 1, al series of brackets 35, 36, 37, 38 are provided to support/web rolls in position to supply webs to the various couplesv A1, A2, A3, A5t of the first set of printing couples. A similar set of brackets 40, 41, 42, and 43 may be provided at the opposite end ofthe machine to supply webs tothe corresponding set of printing couples. y

The prlntmg couples may be capacitated to print any desired width of web. Preferably and as shown, however, (see Fig. 3), they are capacitated to print upon doublewidth webs. That is to say, the cylinders are of such length as to adapt them to receiv'e' four printing plates abreast of each other, each plate being of a size to print the lpage of. a newspaper or other publication,

and the plates are arranged on the cylinders with the columns running circumferentially thereof. Preferably, also, the plates at the opposite ends of the cylinders are staggered with relation to each other, as indicated in the lower part of Fig. 3, where both sides of .the cylinders are utilized to print fullsize pages. If desired, however, plates adapted to print pages of different sizes and differently arranged may be mounted on the cylinders. As shown in Fig. 3, the right# hand endsof the two upper couples A3, A4 are provided with smaller plates adapted to print upon a narrow web. By staggering the plates so that the spaces between the pages at one end will come opposite the centers of the pages at the other end of the cylinders, as shown inthe lower part of F1g.3,

the webs or web sections printed upon the machine may be readily synchronized and1r associated with each other irrespective of the direction of rotation of the couples.

As previously indicated, the 'machine may l be threaded to print in a great variety of ways. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, a full width web lw is led from the supply roll WV mounted on the `acket 36 at the right-hand end ofthe mach`ne, through a spring tension device T and a slitting device S, and one-half of'this web -w is lirst led upward through the couples A3, Ai of thejirst set, thence down through the couples B4, B3 of the second set, these four couples serving to print four colors upon one side of this web section. This section lw then passes back to the first set of couples and down through couples A2, A1, then back again to the second set and up through the couples B1, B2, the last four couples serving to print four colors upon the opposite side of the web. This web section thus perfected is led to the associating mechanism. The other half lw2 of the web W is first ledto the opposite end of couple B3 of the second set, where it is printed on oneside with a single color and then it follows the same path as the first half w through the fourcouples A2, A1, and B1, Bz but at the opposite ends of these couples,

from the web section w', receiving on the reverse side four colors and then passing to the associating mechanism. A second web is led from al web roll X through a second tension device T thence up through the couples A3, A4 of the first series around a reversing mechanism R and down through the couple B4 of the second set and to the associating mechanism. As shown in Fig. 3, Ythis narrow web passes through that end of the couples A3, A4 opposite that through which the first section w of the first web passes and is printed in two colors by the small plates on the couples referred to. The couple B*i prints ai. single color on the oppositeside of this narrow web which is thus perfected. To secure accurate register betweenthe designs printed by the several couples upon the same side of the respective webs or web sections, compensating rollers C1, C2, C3, etc., are adjustably mounted between theV several couples, to vary the lengths `of the-web paths and thus control the points of application" of the designs.

Referring to Fig. 2, a web y is led from a supply roll 'Y through a tension device T3 and thence downwardly" through the couple C of the third setfand from. this couple upward through the couple G2 of this setand then to the associating mechanism. A fourth web e is ledfrom a supply roll Z through a tension device T4, then downward through the couple C3 ofv the third set and upward through the couple C4 of this set and thence to the associating mechanism. Where thesegvebs are of double width, a slitting mechanism 'may be provided to divide them into two sections. It willl be seen that each web is printed on each side or perfected with a single color.

The associating mechanism may be of any suitable construction adapted to asso-y ciate the webs or web sections in any desired relation. The associating mechanism, .as arranged to handle the webs illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, is shown` in Figs. 3, 4, and 5. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the associating' mechanism comprises two sets of turner bars, one set being arranged in line with each half of the double width printing couples or to handle one-half of the several webs or web sections. As indicated, one set of.

ed to receive the section wz of the webtv and deiiect it transversely over the web sections'jz/, e and two still lower turner bars, one of which is indicated at 55 in Fig. 5, which receive the web sections y2 and z2 and deflect them transversely out in. associated n relationwith the sections y, e. The tran'sversely deflected web sections are associated 'and delivered to the folding mechanism which is located at the side of the press in the same transverse plane with the sets of turner bars. As shown in Fig. 3, the web w is directed from the turner bar 50 by a guide roller 57 to a guide roller 58 which also receives the web from the turner bar 53 and a guide roller 59. From the guide -roller 58 these two webs pass over an upper longitudinal folder G0. The web section 102 passes over the turner bar 54, over guide rollers 61 and 62 to a guide roller 63, and

the web sections e', z2 pass from their turner bars over guide rollers 64 and 65 to the guide roller 63, while the web sections y and y2 pass from their turner bars over a guide roller G6 andthen to the guide roller 63, the several web sections wz, 2', e2, y', y2 which are thus associated on the roller 63 4passing from that roller to a lower longitudinal former 70. Obviously the webs which are associated and folded longitudinally upon the formers 60 and 70 may be passed to any suitable mechanism for cutting them on transverse lines between the pages, giving them a second fold as usual, and delivering the folded products. As shown in Fig. 2, however, the associated longitudinally folded webs passing from the upper former 60 are transferred around the lower former 70 and associated with the webs delivered from this former to a cutting and folding mechanism comprising a cutting cylinder 71, the collecting and folding cylinder 72, and a delivery mechanism comprising a rotary fiy 73 and traveling apron 74:. In order that the product of the upper former may be associated with the product of the lower former either on the inside or the outside thereof, means are provided for guiding the product of the the -lower printing couple A1- folded on the; upper former, is passed 'to the right of the lower former 70 and associated with the product from the lower former on the outside thereof, while the narrow web w passing over one side of the upper former is deflected to the left and `is associated with the product of the lower former on theeinside thereof. Instead of associating all the webs and delivering them to the folding mechanism vat che side of the machine, as shown in full lines in F ig.- 8, a second folding mechanism may be arranged at the opposite side of 'the press, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 3, and all or a part of the webs delivered to this foldin -mechanism and associated in any'desir relation .to each other. f

In Fig. 6 the machine is illustrated as adjusted to print one color 'on each/side, or perfectV each, of six webs. As shown, one web nis led from the lower web roll N at the right-hand end of the machine, up through of the first set, then up through the first printing couplev B1 'of the second set, and thence to theassociating jmechanism. Similarly, a second couples A2, B2

web is led from a web roll O through the to the associating mechaand fourth webs and nism, and third Q, through the are led from web rolls P and couples A3B3 and A4 and thence tothe associating mechanism. A fifthwveb 1 is led from the lower web roll R .at the left-hand end of the machine through the couples C1, C2 of the third set soA as t'o receive a single color on each side, and thence to the associating mechanism; and a sixth web s is similarly led through the couples C3 and C, and thence to the V associating mechanism.v Obviously, these webs may be associated in any desired relation and delivered to the folding mechanisms either at one or both sides of the machine.

, r L It will be: obviousfrom what has already. f been stated that a machine may be bu'ilt up with any desired nnmbejnof printing couples in the various sets. In Fig.l 7 is illustrated a machine having. tw vertically arranged vsets of printin'gcouples, each set'containing three couples, A1, A2, A3, and B1, B, B3, respectively. In this case the two lower couples, in each set are mounted in framemembers F1, F2, as in the machine illus- 1 trated in Fig. 1.l The upper couples A, B3

of lthis machine are mounted in short upright. frame sections F1.o and F11, ,these being arranged between the longitudinal frame members f and F4 which are spaced apart only one -h'alf the distance of the'frame members f and 4F4 -of vthe machine shown in Fig. h1. While no inkingmechanisms are illustrated ingFig. 7, it -willqbe 'understood that they will be supplied may be idenand B4, respectively,

` erent diameter substituted therefor.

neel with these illustrated in Fig. 1. while the machine shown in Fig. 7 is illustrated -as 'threaded with three webs, each of which receives a single colo).` o n each side, it will be understood that by driving the printing cylinders in the proper direction by the rep 4It will be understood that, if desired, a third set of printing couples may be provided at the opposri e end of the machine which, as indicated in Fig. 7, is cut away.

In Fig. 1 is illustrated a manner of bringing into action a new roll of paper when a preceding roll has become exhausted. When, for instanee, the roll W is about to become exhausted, the leading end of a second roll W1 mounted in an adjoining bracket is provided with paste and the press being stopped for a few seconds, the tail end of the eX- hausted web is brought down and attached byA the paste to the leading, end W2 of the web W1. The machine is then started' and the web from the roll W1 will be pulled through the 'machine by the web W and will take the place of the latter. A new roll is then mounted in place of the roll W, and When the web W1 is exhausted, its tail end is attached tothe leading end of the new roll, and se on.

To change the length of Ithe pages printed in 'a machine of the character herein set forth, the cylinders of the various printing couples are-removed and cylinders of a e construction by which this-is accomplished is illustrated in Fig. 8. As indicated in this igfure, the bearings 100 for the design cyllinder' are fixed to maintain a fixed relation between the shaft of this cylinder and the driving mechanism. The `impression cylinder and the inking mechanism are made adl jusrtable to coperate with design cylinders ofdifi'erent diameters, as follows: The bearings 101 for the .impression cylinder are `adjustable to and from the design cylinder bearings by means of screws 102 and These screws are adapted to give a certain amount of adjustment of the lmpressron cylinder to accommodate' design cylinders' of slightlydiiferent sizes and also to secure the required degree and evenness of pressure contact between the two cylinders. .In order to accommodate lthe larger variation in the diameter of the cylinders, the boxes 101l`y` for the impression cylinder may be yIso bored to one side of the center so that by turning these bogies over a considerable varithe centers of the adjacent distributing rolly ers 23 and to vary the position of the inking mechanism as a whole to secure the required relation between the design cylinders and the smaller form rollers 26. The variations in the operative position of the inking mechanism m'ay be determined by providing the frame with additional notches 3l*3L adapted to coperate with the locking pawl 80.

Among the advantages of a machine constructed in accordance with the invention the following may be here mentioned. When the machine is employed for printing a pluralityof colors on one 0.1' more, of the webs, the webs are led with a. minimum length of path from one couple to the next, being only slightly deviated from the direct path by the compensating rollers which, are `re quired to effect only minor adjustments for registry, the major adjustments being effected by shifting the printing couples with relation to each other. It will be noted that the extent of this latter adjustment is limited only by the coarseness of the teeth by which the printing couples are geared to the driving mechanism.

YVhen the machine is employed for simply 4 perfecting a plurality of webs, as indicated 'for instance in Fig. 6, it will be seen that each of the webs has substantially the same length and character of path through the machine so that there will be a minimum of diliiculty in causing synchronism of travel to bring the pages of associated webs into registering relation with each other.

It will` be further noted that whether used for color work or simply perfecting, each of the webs or web sections passes from its printing mechanism over a turner bar and only one turner bar to the folding mechanism, this arrangement being also of advantage in securing synchronism due tothe uniformity of the angle bar drag on all the webs. v

By reason ofthe employment of the vertical frarne members for mounting the various printing couples of adjacent sets, the sides of the frame opposite the open spaces between the setsare provided with openings of suflicient size to afford ready access to the spaces between the sets of printing couples.`

Other advantages of the construction illustrated and described and not herein mentioned will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

It is-to be understood that my invention in its broader aspects is 'not limited to the particular constructions herein shown and described, as many changes may be made in the structural details and arrangements of the parts without departing from the main principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

What I claim is:

l. A rotary web printing machine including in combination, two sets of printing couples vertically arranged side by side with an open space between themand with their cylinders parallel and in tracking relation, the impression cylinders of both sets being accessiblefrom said space, means for driving a plurality of the couplesnin either direction, an inking mechanism adapted to be driven in either direction associated with \the design cyolinder of each of said reversible couples, means for supplying a plurality of webs to one set, and -means for deliveringthe printed webs from the other set, said delivering means comprising a set of turner an open space between them and with theirv cylinders parallel and in tracking relation, the impression cylinders of both sets being accessible from said space and the design cylinders of each set being arranged in fixed bearings, means mounted in fixed relation to the axes of the design cylinders for driving the printing couples of each set, movable bearings for the impression cylinders of the several couples, inking mechanism for each design cylinder arranged on the opposite side thereof from the corresponding impression cylinder, and supports for the'inking mechanism movable with' relation to the design cylinder.

3. yA rotary web printing Amachine including in combination, two sets of printing couples vertically arranged side by si de with an open space between them and with ytheir cylinders parallel/ and in tracking relation, the impression cylinders of both-sets being accessible from said space and the design Ycylinders of each set being arranged with their aXes in a single plane, means Afor driving the couples including a shaft arranged in the plane of the axes of the design cylinders of each set and ,intersecting said axes, and gearing between each of said shafts and vlthe design cylinders of the corresponding set, means for movably supporting the imparallel and in tracking relation,the impression cylinders of both sets being accessible from said space, and the design cylinders of each set being arranged in a single plane, means for driving the couples in either direction, said means including a shaft arrangedin the plane of the design cylinders of each set and at right angles to the axes of said design cylinders, each driving shaft being provided witha pair of bevel gears corresponding to each design cylinder, the'\` members of each pair being independently movable upon its shaftA into and out of mesh with a bevel gear upon the shaft of the corresponding design cylinder, and means for driving said shafts in unison.

f 5. A rotary web printing machine including in combination, two sets of lprinting couples vertically arranged side by side with an open space between them and with their cylinders parallel and in tracking relation,

the impression cylinders of accessible from said space, an inking mechanism for each design cylinder movably mounted with relation thereto to afford access to the cylinder and to the inking mechanism, and means for driving each of a plubth sets being y rality of the couples in either direction, the

plying one or more webs 'either direction,

corresponding inking mechanisms being reversible so as to properly apply the ink to vits design cylinder irrespective of the direction of rotation thereof, and means for supto one set of printing couples and for delivering the .printed web or webs from the other set.

6. rotary web printing machine including 1n combination, two sets of printing couples, vertically arranged side by side near one end of the machine with an open with their cylinders relation, a third set the oppositelend of theI machine with'its cylinders parallel to and in tracking relation with those of the first mentioned sets, means for drivinga plurality of the printing couples in each of a plurality of sets in means for supplying webs to the setsof couples nearest the ends ofthe machine, and means located between the first mentloned sets and the third set for associating the lations to each other.

l7. rotary web printing machine includprinted webs in various reing in combination, two sets of' printing couples vertically arranged side by side near one end of the machine'with an open space between them and with their cylinders parallel andin tracking relation, the impression cylinders of both sets being accessible from said open space, a third set of printing couples vertically arranged near the opposite end of the machine with its cylinders parallel to and in tracking relation with those of the rst mentioned sets,.means for driving a plurality of the printing couples of each of the first mentioned two sets in opposite directions, meansj for supplying one or more webs to the first mentioned two sets of couples, means for supplying one or more webs to the-third set of couples', and means including turner bars located between the first mentioned two sets and the third set for associating the printed Webs in various relations to each other, and mechanism located-at the side of the machine in the same transverse plane with the turner bars for folding, severing, and delivering the associated webs.

8. A rotary web printing machine including in combination, a plurality of vertical sets of printing couples, one near each end of the machine and another intermediate the end sets but spaced therefrom, the cylinders of the several sets being parallel to and in tracking relation with each other, means for driving a plurality of-couples in either direction, means for supplying webs to the end sets, web associating means in the space between the intermediate and oneof the end sets.

9. A rotary web-printing machine including in combination, a plurality of vertical sets of printing couples, one set near each end' of themachine and another set intermediate of and spaced from the end sets, the cylinders .of the several sets being parallel to and in tracking relation with each other and the other endset being accessible from the space between these sets.

10. A rotary web printing machine ini cluding in combination, a lplurality of vertical sets of printing couples, one near each end of the machine and another intermediate of and spaced from the end sets, the cylinders of the various couples being parallel to and in tracking relation-with each other,.and each set having one cylinder of each couple `arranged 'in a single vertical plane, means for driving the several sets including a vertical shaft. located in the said vertical plane of each set, each shaft having 4a pair of bevel gears corresponding to each each couplevarrangedin a" single verticaly plane, means for driving the several sets including a vertical shaft located in the said vertical plane of each set, each shaft having a pair of bevel gears corresponding vte each or' a plurality of couples, the members of each pair of gears being movable into and out of mesh with a gear upon the corresponding cylinder, means for driving the said shafts in unison, means for supplying one or more webs to each of the end sets of printing couples, web associating means arranged between the intermediate set and one of the end sets, the impression cylinders of the intermediate set and of the other end set being accessible from the space between these sets, and a series of inking mechanisms, oneqfor each printing couple, said inking mechanisms being movable into and out of coperative relation with their respective-couples to-afford access to the design cylinders.

12. A rotary web printing machine including in combination, a plurality of vertical sets of double wide printing couples one near each end of the machine, the cylinders of the `various couples being parallel to and in tracking relation with each other, means for supplying one or more webs or web sections to each side bf each of said sets of printing couples, a set of single wide a plurality of webs or vweb sectionsto each side of each of said sets of printing couples, a plurality 'of sets of singlev wide turner bars, one arranged between ,each side of another set located between and spaced from said end sets, the cylinders of the various sets being capacitated to print upon double width webs and being parallel to and in trackingv relation with each other, means for supplying webs or web sections to cach side of each of the end sets, a plurality of sets of turner bars, one set being arranged between each side of the intermediate set of printingcouples and one of the end sets of printing couples, said sets of turner bars being arranged 1n the same transverse plane, a folding mechanism located at the side of the machine and in the same transverse plane with the sets of turner bars.

15. A rotary web printing machine including in combination, a plurality of vertical sets of printing couples, one arranged near each end of the machine, the cylinders of the various couples being parallel to and in tracking relation with each other, means for driving some of the couples in either 16. A rotary web printing machine in- I cluding in combination, a plurality of verL tical sets of printing couples, one arranged near each end of the machine and another vloca-ted between and spaced from the end sets, the cylinders of the various couples being capacitated to print upon double width webs arranged parallel to and in tracking relationv with each other, means'for driving 'a plurality of the printing couples of each of a plurality of the sets in either direction,

means for supplying one or more webs or web sections to each of the end sets of couples, a plurality of sets of turner bars, one set being arranged between each side of the intermediate and one of the end sets of printing couples, the impression cylinders of the intermediate and the other end set of printing couples being accessible from the space between these sets, and folding mechanism arranged at the side of the machine and in the same transverse plane with the two sets of turner bars, said folding mechanism in-- cluding two longitudinal folders arranged one above the other, and means for transferring the product of the upper folder to either side of and associa/ting it with the product of the lower folder.

17. A rota'ry web printing machine 'including in combination, two sets of double wideV printing couples vertically arranged side by side near one end of themachine with an open space between them, and with their cylinders parallel to and in tracking relation with each other, the impression cylinders of both Sets being accessible from said open space, a third set of printing couples vertically arranged near the opposite end of the machine with its cylinders arranged couple carrying standards to other parallel to and in tracking relation with' those of the first mentioned sets, means fork driving a plurality of the printing couples of each of the first mentioned sets in either direction, means for supplying one or more webs or web sectionsto each of the set oi couples nearest the ends of the machine, a plurality of sets of turner bars one set being arranged in line with each side of the double wide sets of printing couples and both sets in the same transverse plane, and a folding mechanism located at the side vof the machine in the same transverse plane with the sets of turner bars.

18. A. rotary web printing machine including in combination, a plurality of sets of printing couples vertically arranged side by side with an open space between them and with their cylinders parallel and in tracking relation, the impression and design* cylinders of each set being in the same horizontal plane, and a frame structure support- 'ing the couples and including separate superposed vertical standards, each standard carrying one or more of the printing couples of one set, and the standards for each setbeing duplicates of each other.

19. A rotary web printing machine including in combination, a plurality of4 sets of printing couples verticallyarranged side by side with an open space between them and with their cylinders parallel and in tracking relation, the impression and design cylinders of each set being in the same horizontal plane, a frame structure supporting the couples and including superposed separate vertical standards, each standard lcarrying one or more of the printing couples of one set, and horizontal bars in iXed relation to the vertical standardsfor joinin the rame standards, said horizontal bars carrying the inking mechanisms for the respective couples.

20. A rotary web printing machine including in combination, a plurality of sets of printing'couples vertically arranged side by side with an open space between them and 'with their cylinders parallel andA in tracking relation, cylinders of each set being in the same horizontal plane, a frame structure supporting the impression and design the couples and including separate superposed vertical standards, each standard carrying one or more of the printing couples of one set, and horizontal bars formed integral with the vertical standards for joining the couple carrying standards to other frame design and impression cylinders of different diameters without derangement of the driving mechanism.

22. A rotary web printing machine in-'- cluding in combination, X'ed bearings for a plurality of design cylinders, said bearings being 'arranged in av single vertical plane, means for driving the said design cylinders comprising a shaft arranged in fixed relation to the design cylinder bearings and in thesame vertical plane therewith, impression cylinder bearings movably mounted with relation to the design cylinder bearings, and inking mechanisms movably mounted with relation to the design cylinder bearings on the opposite side thereof from theimpression cylinder bearings, said inking mechanisms having independently movable form rollers, wherebyv the machine is adapted to receive design and impression cylinders of different diameters without derangeinent of the driving mechanism.

23. A rotary web printing machine including in combination, two sets of printing couples arranged vertically side` by Side, with an open space between them and with their cylinders parallel and in tracking relation, the impression cylinders on both sets facing and being accessible from saidspace, means for driving Aany couple yon either side in either direction irrespective of the'direction of drive on any other couple, each-of said sets of printing couples having an open space behind it, Ainking mechanism for each design cylinder the space behind said sets of printing coup es respectively, said inking mechanisms being mounted for movement toward the design cylinders respectively,

'whereby space to serve the ink fountains is provided behind said inking mechanisms,

said inking mechanisms being movable away from said design cylinders whereby said inking mechanisms are accessible for y cleaning.

24. A rotary web printing machine including in combination a plurality of sets of printing couples vertically arranged side by ing impression cylinder, supports for the inking mechanism movable with relation to the design cylinder, and means for ldisengagingany printing couple without affect- -ing the operability of the remaining couples.

25. A rotary yweb printing machine including in combination two sets of printing couples vertically arranged side by side with an open space between them andI with their cylinders parallel and in tracking relation, the impression cylinders of both sets facing'and being accessible from saidspace, the design cylinders of each set being arranged in fixed bearings, means mounted in fixed relation to the axes of the design cylinders for driving each of `the printing couples of each Set in either direction, inkving mechanlsm for each design cylinder arranged on the opposite side thereof from the corresponding impression cylinder, and means for moving the inking mechanisms toward and from the design cylinders in the common plane of the printing couple axes respectively.

26. A rotary web printing machine including in combination, two sets of printing couples vertically arranged side by side with an open space between them and with their cylinders parallel and in tracking relation, the impression cylinders of both sets being accessible from said space, and each set having one of the cylinders of the different couples arranged in a single plane, means for driving the couples in either direction, said means including a shaft arranged in the plane of those cylindersof each set that are arranged in a single plane and at= right angles to the axis of said cylinders, each driving shaft being'provided with a pair of bevel gears corresponding to each of said cylinders arranged in a single plane, the members of each pair being independently movable upon its shaft into and out of mesh with a bevel gear upon the shaft of the corresponding cylinder, and means for driving said shafts in unison.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two 'subscribing witnesses.

' GEORGE E. PANCOAST. Witnesses: y

CARL W. Wmmn, LEE W. LIBERMAN. 

